The University of the Arts’ announcement that it would close on Friday, June 7, marked a sudden turn of events for the almost 150-year-old institution. In the wake of this news, Temple University has been working diligently to ensure that all UArts students have a path to completing their studies. 

“This is devastating news, both for the Philadelphia and higher education communities, but especially for the students, faculty, staff and alumni who have called this special institution home over the years,” senior vice president and Provost Gregory N. Mandel said. “One of the things that I appreciate about Philadelphia is the rich history of institutions just like the University of the Arts, which is a cultural hallmark of the city. We will continue to do all we can to support the arts and higher education in our city, and our first priority is working to ensure that all UArts students have a path to completing their studies.” 

Since this news first came to light late last week, Temple University’s administration has been collaborating with representatives from UArts to help make the admission and transfer process as seamless as possible for any UArts student who wants to continue or start their studies at Temple. The university has launched a dedicated web page designed to help current and incoming UArts students navigate the transition. The web page will be updated as the two universities further flesh out agreements and processes. 

In the span of just a few days, more than 600 current and incoming UArts students have used the page to contact Temple’s Admissions Office. 

“We are ready to provide the highest level of service to UArts students, and our goal is to ease their transition and support their educational goals,” Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Jose Aviles said. “We have been reaching out by phone, email and text message and will be creating information sessions to ensure students have all the necessary information easily accessible.” 

The sudden closure of UArts remains a fluid situation. As previously noted, the university has been meeting with UArts representatives, and those conversations are continuing. 

“We continue to gather more information in relation to what happened with the University of the Arts. This is tragic news, and as Philadelphia’s public university, it is important that we are there to help the UArts community during this critical time,” Temple President Richard M. Englert said. “We are eager to continue meeting with UArts representatives to explore all options and possible solutions that would preserve the arts and the rich legacy of this 150-year-old institution.”